Launch of GOTG Stamp 22 February 2013

Launch of GOTG Stamp 22 February 2013

Gift of the Givers: proudly South African life savers celebrated The awe–inspiring list of local and international achievements, awards and recognition given to Gift of the Givers fills one with immense admiration and pride. It is the first international humanitarian organisation accredited by Proudly South African and has been rated as one of the most trusted and admired non- governmental organisations (NGO’s) in the country. In recognition of Gift of the Givers selfless humanitarian work, the Post Office will issue a miniature sheet with two stamps approved by the South African Parliament and Cabinet. The miniature sheet will cost R10,60 and the stamps will be valid postage for A5-sized domestic letters. “We believe the world should be made aware of the humanitarian work that Gift of the Givers do,” said Johan van Wyk, head of Philately at the SA Post Office. “The stamps we are issuing will spread awareness of this South African organisation worldwide.” The stamps will be available at www.virtualpostoffice.co.za and most post offices. Enquiries can also be made at sa.stamps@postoffice.co.za.

The launch of the stamp was a real celebration at GOTG logistics centre, 300 people including elderly people and flood and fire victims from the near by Alexandra Township were invited. They all received a cooked meal and a food parcel. The Alexandra field band with their music turned the whole function into a celebration. The Group Executive Corporate Affairs Mr Lungile Lose from the Post Office handed over a framed stamp to Dr Imtiaz Sooliman and representatives of the Gift of the Givers offices. A representative from Unilever Mr Anil Chendip was also present to hand over food parcels to the elderly. Wheelchairs given to 109 year old, Mr Dumisani and an emotional Mrs Baloy, 102 years old. The volunteers from the Post Office assisted in handing out the food parcels and the meal, whilst Search and Rescue Leader, Ahmed Bham, made a display of rescue equipment to make people more aware of the disaster work we do.

A group of Taiwanese doctors who assisted the people of Mozambique were also present at the function and as a gesture of goodwill a framed stamp was handed over to them.